GOLDEN ENTERTAINMENT, INC. - Annual Report: 2013 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

_______________

Form 10-K

Commission File No. 0-24993

LAKES ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

130 Cheshire Lane, Suite 101, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305

(Address of principal executive offices)

(952) 449-9092

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None.

(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes ☐     No ☑

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes ☐     No ☑

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ☑     No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☑    No ☐  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ☑

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes ☐     No ☑

As of March 12, 2014, 26,728,402 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding. Based upon the last sale price of the Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market on June 28, 2013 (the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second quarter), the aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of such date was $68.2 million. For purposes of these computations, affiliates of the Registrant are deemed only to be the Registrant’s executive officers and directors.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Commission within 120 days after the close of the Registrant’s fiscal year are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Forward-Looking Statements

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other materials filed or to be filed by Lakes Entertainment, Inc. with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by Lakes Entertainment, Inc. contain statements that are forward-looking, such as plans for future expansion and other business development activities as well as other statements regarding capital spending, financing sources and the effects of regulation (including gaming and tax regulation), and competition.

Such forward looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect the anticipated results in the future and, accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Lakes Entertainment, Inc.

These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the need for potential future financing to meet Lakes Entertainment, Inc.’s development needs and expansion goals; the highly competitive industry in which Lakes Entertainment, Inc. operates; possible changes in regulations; risks of entry into new businesses; reliance on Lakes Entertainment, Inc.’s management; and litigation costs. For more information, review Lakes Entertainment, Inc.’s filings with the SEC. For further information regarding the risks and uncertainties, see the “Risk Factors” section in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

Business Overview

Lakes Entertainment, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (“Lakes”, “we” or “our”), develops, finances, manages and owns casino properties. We own and operate the Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Allegany County, Maryland (“Rocky Gap”) which we acquired on August 3, 2012. Rocky Gap includes a hotel, gaming facility, an event and conference center, spa, four restaurants and the only Jack Nicklaus signature golf course in Maryland. We began managing the Red Hawk Casino in California for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians (the “Shingle Springs Tribe”) when it opened to the public on December 17, 2008 and terminated the management agreement on August 29, 2013. We are also involved in other business activities, including the investment in non-Indian casinos in Ohio and Florida. See note 23, Segment Information, to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information on our segments.

History

Lakes was formed in 1998 under the name of GCI Lakes, Inc., which was changed to Lakes Gaming, Inc. in August 1998 and to Lakes Entertainment, Inc. in 2002. Lakes is the successor to the Indian gaming business of Grand Casinos, Inc. (“Grand Casinos”) and became a public company through a spin-off transaction in which shares of Lakes’ common stock were distributed to the shareholders of Grand Casinos. Lakes managed various casinos under contracts held by Grand Casinos through 2002. Lakes had a management contract for the Cimarron Casino in Oklahoma from 2006 through May 2010, for the Four Winds Casino Resort in Michigan from August 2007 through June 2011 and for the Red Hawk Casino in California from December 2008 through August 2013. Lakes purchased and began operating Rocky Gap on August 3, 2012.

Rocky Gap Casino Resort

In April 2012, a video lottery operation license for Rocky Gap was awarded to Lakes by the State of Maryland Video Lottery Facility Location Commission. In August 2012, Lakes acquired the assets of Rocky Gap for $6.8 million which included a hotel, spa, convention center, two restaurants and the only Jack Nicklaus signature golf course in Maryland.  In connection with the closing of the acquisition of Rocky Gap, Lakes entered into a 40 year operating ground lease (the “Lease Agreement”) with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (the “Maryland DNR”) for approximately 268 acres in the Rocky Gap State Park on which Rocky Gap is situated. The Lease Agreement contains an option to renew for 20 years after the initial 40-year term.

After acquiring Rocky Gap, Lakes converted the existing convention center space into a gaming facility and renamed the property Rocky Gap Casino Resort. The gaming facility opened to the public on May 22, 2013 and features 558 video lottery terminals (“VLTs”), 10 table games, three poker tables, a casino bar and a new lobby food and beverage outlet. The AAA Four Diamond Award® winning resort includes a newly constructed event and conference center which is able to accommodate large groups and features flexible use meeting rooms. The event and conference center became available for use during the fourth quarter of 2013. The total cost of the project was approximately $35.0 million, including the initial acquisition cost. Lakes has a financing facility that was used to finance $13.4 million of the project costs. The amount outstanding on this financing facility as of December 29, 2013 was $13.3 million.

Investment in Rock Ohio Ventures, LLC

Lakes has an investment in Rock Ohio Ventures, LLC (“Rock Ohio Ventures”), a privately-held company, that owns the Horseshoe Casino Cleveland in Cleveland, Ohio which opened to the public on May 13, 2012; the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio which opened on March 4, 2013; the Thistledown Racino in North Randall, Ohio which added approximately 1,100 VLTs in April 2013 to the existing racetrack; and Turfway Park, a thoroughbred horseracing track located in Florence, Kentucky. As of December 29, 2013, Lakes has contributed approximately $21.0 million to Rock Ohio Ventures. Lakes currently plans to contribute additional capital as needed to maintain our equity position in Rock Ohio Ventures.

Investment in Dania Entertainment Holdings, LLC

Lakes has an investment in Dania Entertainment Holdings, LLC (“DEH”) that maintains a 25% ownership interest in Dania Entertainment Center, LLC (“DEC”), which owns and operates the Dania Jai Alai property. As part of a previous plan to purchase the property, during 2011 Lakes loaned $4.0 million to DEC which was written down to zero during the third quarter of 2011 when the acquisition did not close. Lakes has no operational responsibility of DEC or DEH and is not required to invest any additional money in either entity. The Dania Jai Alai property added approximately 550 slot machines and 12 poker tables in February 2014 to the existing fronton and was renamed the Dania Casino and Jai Alai.

Indian Casino Business

Development and Management of the Red Hawk Casino

Lakes developed and had a seven-year contract to manage the Red Hawk Casino that was built on the Rancheria of the Shingle Springs Tribe in El Dorado County, California, adjacent to U.S. Highway 50, approximately 30 miles east of Sacramento, California. Lakes began managing the Red Hawk Casino when it opened to the public on December 17, 2008.

On July 17, 2013, Lakes entered into a debt termination agreement with the Shingle Springs Tribe relating to amounts Lakes had previously advanced to the Shingle Springs Tribe (the “Shingle Springs Notes”) for the development of the Red Hawk Casino (the “Debt Termination Agreement”). The Debt Termination Agreement required certain conditions to be met, including a lump sum payment by the Shingle Springs Tribe to Lakes of $57.1 million (the “Debt Payment”). The Debt Payment was made on August 29, 2013 (the “Payment Date”) and constituted full and final payment of all debt owed to Lakes as of that date. As a result of the receipt of the Debt Payment, during the third quarter of 2013, Lakes recognized approximately $17.4 million in recovery of impairment on notes receivable because the Shingle Springs Notes had previously been impaired and were valued at $39.7 million. The face value of the Shingle Springs Notes including accrued interest was $69.7 million as of the Payment Date. The management agreement under which Lakes was managing the Red Hawk Casino also terminated on the Payment Date.

Development and Financing of the Jamul Casino

Lakes entered into an agreement with the Jamul Indian Village (the “Jamul Tribe”) during 1999 to develop and manage a casino on behalf of the Jamul Tribe on the Jamul Tribe’s existing reservation approximately 20 miles east of San Diego, California (the “Jamul Casino Project”). Lakes terminated the agreement with the Jamul Tribe in March 2012.

Lakes estimated the fair value of its notes receivable from the Jamul Tribe to be zero as of December 30, 2012. As of the date of termination, Lakes had advanced approximately $57.5 million including accrued interest to the Jamul Tribe related to casino development efforts. Lakes made total advances of $1.8 million to the Jamul Tribe during fiscal 2012, $0.5 million of which had been made as of the date of the termination of the agreement. Pursuant to the agreement with the Jamul Tribe, Lakes advanced an additional $1.3 million subsequent to the date of termination. All of the fiscal 2012 advances are included as losses in Lakes’ consolidated statement of operations for the twelve months ended December 30, 2012.

During the third quarter of 2012, Lakes entered into a Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement (“Intercreditor Agreement”) with Penn National Gaming, Inc. (“Penn National”) and the Jamul Tribe. Pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement, we modified the terms of our outstanding debt with the Jamul Tribe to reflect that the total debt outstanding, including accrued interest, is $60.0 million, and that interest on such debt will accrue at 4.25% after the opening of a casino to be developed by Penn National on the Jamul Tribe’s trust land. Additionally, Lakes’ debt and collateral interest in all revenues from any future casino owned by the Jamul Tribe and in such casino’s furnishings and equipment will be subordinate to the senior financing until such financing is paid in full. Current interest on the subordinated debt will be paid to Lakes on a quarterly basis when the Penn National casino opens, so long as there is no default under the senior financing agreement. When the senior financing is paid in full, Lakes will receive repayment of outstanding principal and interest.

Also during the third quarter of 2012, Lakes entered into a ten-year option agreement with Penn National that grants Penn National the right to purchase approximately 98 acres of land which Lakes owns adjacent to the Jamul Tribe’s trust land (“Option Agreement”). The purchase price for the land is $7.1 million and increases annually by 1%. Pursuant to the Option Agreement, annual option payments of less than $0.1 million are required to be made by Penn National to Lakes.

Competition

Overall

The gaming industry is highly competitive and continues to proliferate throughout the country as more jurisdictions are choosing to allow gaming or the expansion thereof. Gaming activities include traditional land-based casinos, river boat and dockside gaming, casino gaming on Indian land, state-sponsored video lottery and video poker in restaurants, bars and hotels, pari-mutuel betting on horse racing and dog racing, sports bookmaking, card rooms and online gaming. The casinos managed or invested in by Lakes compete with all of these forms of gaming, and will compete with any new forms of gaming that may be legalized in additional jurisdictions, as well as with other types of entertainment. Lakes also competes with other gaming companies for opportunities to acquire legal gaming sites in emerging gaming jurisdictions and for the opportunity to manage casinos on Indian land. Some of Lakes’ competitors have greater financial and other resources than Lakes. Further expansion of gaming could also significantly affect Lakes’ business.

Rocky Gap Casino Resort

VLT operations in Maryland are regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. State legislation restricts the number of licenses the State of Maryland can issue to six. The Allegany County license has been awarded to Rocky Gap. Licenses have been previously granted for Anne Arundel, Cecil and Worcester counties and the locations are currently in operation. A license has been awarded for Baltimore City and the project is currently in the development stage. The State of Maryland recently awarded the remaining license in Prince George’s county. Any additional forms or expansion of commercial gaming in Maryland is prohibited, unless approved by a voter referendum. Rocky Gap will also compete for customers with gaming properties in adjacent states, including Pennsylvania and West Virginia.   

Ohio Casino Properties

Competition for the Ohio casinos that Lakes has an investment in currently comes from other Ohio casinos, casinos located in the surrounding states and VLTs at Ohio horse tracks. 

Regulation

Gaming Regulation

The ownership, management and operation of gaming facilities are subject to extensive federal, state, provincial, tribal and/or local laws, regulations and ordinances, which are administered by the relevant regulatory agency or agencies in each jurisdiction (“Regulatory Authorities”). These laws, regulations and ordinances vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but generally pertain to the responsibility, financial stability and character of the owners and managers of gaming operations as well as persons financially interested or involved in gaming operations. Certain basic provisions that are currently applicable to Lakes in its management, development and financing activities are described below.

Neither Lakes nor any subsidiary may own, manage or operate a gaming facility unless it obtains proper licenses, permits and approvals. Generally, an application for a license, permit or approval may be denied for any cause that the Regulatory Authorities deem reasonable. Most Regulatory Authorities also have the right to license, investigate and determine the suitability of any person who has a material relationship with Lakes or any of its subsidiaries, including officers, directors, employees and security holders of Lakes or its subsidiaries. In the event a Regulatory Authority finds a person with such material relationship to Lakes to be unsuitable, Lakes may be sanctioned, and may lose its licenses and approvals. Lakes may be required to repurchase its securities at fair market value from security holders that the Regulatory Authorities deem unsuitable. Lakes’ Articles of Incorporation require security holders to provide the background information requested by Regulatory Authorities and authorize Lakes to redeem securities held by persons whose status as a security holder, in the opinion of the Lakes’ Board of Directors, jeopardizes gaming licenses or approvals of Lakes or its subsidiaries. Once obtained, licenses, permits and approvals must be periodically renewed and generally are not transferable. The Regulatory Authorities may at any time revoke, suspend, condition, limit or restrict a license for a violation of its gaming ordinances.

Fines for violations may be levied against the holder of a license and, in certain jurisdictions, gaming operation revenues can be forfeited to the state under certain circumstances. No assurance can be given that any licenses, permits or approvals will be obtained by Lakes or its subsidiaries, or if obtained, will be renewed or not revoked in the future. In addition, the rejection or termination of a license, permit or approval of Lakes or any of its employees or security holders in any jurisdiction may have adverse consequences in other jurisdictions. Certain jurisdictions require gaming operators licensed therein to seek approval from the state before conducting gaming in other jurisdictions. Lakes and its subsidiaries may be required to submit detailed financial and operating reports to Regulatory Authorities.

The political and regulatory environment for gaming is dynamic and rapidly changing. The laws, regulations and procedures pertaining to gaming are subject to the interpretation of the Regulatory Authorities and may be amended. Any changes in such laws, regulations or their interpretations could have a material adverse effect on Lakes.

Non-Gaming Regulation

Lakes and its subsidiaries are subject to certain federal, state and local safety and health laws, regulations and ordinances that apply to non-gaming businesses generally, such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act, Resource Conservation Recovery Act and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. We believe that we are currently in material compliance with such regulations. The coverage and attendant compliance costs associated with such laws, regulations and ordinances may result in future additional cost to our operations.

Real Estate Holdings

Lakes owns parcels of undeveloped land in California related to its previous involvement in a potential Indian casino project with the Jamul Tribe and undeveloped land in Oklahoma related to its previous involvement in a potential casino project with the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. Lakes also owns an office building and related land in Minnesota for its corporate offices. In August 2012, Lakes acquired Rocky Gap in Allegany County, Maryland, which is situated on approximately 268 acres in the Rocky Gap State Park and is subject to the Lease Agreement with the Maryland DNR.

Employees

At December 29, 2013, Lakes had 536 employees, of which 400 were full-time employees. The majority of Lakes’ employees are employees of Rocky Gap, and approximately 70% of these employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that became effective on November 1, 2013. The collective bargaining agreement expires on November 1, 2019. Lakes believes its relations with employees are satisfactory.

Lakes has assembled a strong team of gaming industry experts, well-versed in all aspects of casino development, construction and management, many of whom were involved with the success of Grand Casinos. The Lakes team has individual specialists on staff mirroring each of the functional areas found in a casino project. The functional areas include gaming operations, construction and development, finance/accounting, legal/regulatory, systems/information technology, food and beverage, marketing and human resources.

Lakes’ management believes this team represents a valuable asset that provides a competitive advantage pursuing casino and other business opportunities.

Website and Available Information

Our website is located at www.lakesentertainment.com. Information on the website does not constitute part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We make available, free of charge, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, our Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after such forms are filed with or furnished to the SEC. Copies of these documents are available to our shareholders at our website or upon written request to our President and Chief Financial Officer at 130 Cheshire Lane, Suite 101, Minnetonka, MN 55305.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

In addition to factors discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following are important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement made by or on behalf of us.

Economic conditions may cause declines in casino gaming activity and other consumer spending which could adversely affect the financial performance of the casino we own and the gaming facilities we have investments in and result in lower revenue and income to us.

Our operating results and performance depend significantly on economic conditions and their impact on consumer spending in the casino we own.  A decline in consumer spending may cause the revenue generated from the casino we own and the gaming facilities we have investments in to be adversely impacted.

Extreme competition exists in the gaming industry.

The gaming industry is highly competitive and continues to proliferate throughout the country as more jurisdictions are choosing to allow gaming or its expansion, including online gaming. The casinos managed or invested in by us compete with all forms of gaming, and will compete with any new forms of gaming that may be legalized in additional jurisdictions, as well as with other types of entertainment. We also compete with other gaming companies for opportunities to acquire legal gaming sites in emerging gaming jurisdictions and for the opportunity to manage casinos on Indian land. Some of our competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do which limits our ability to pursue certain opportunities. Further expansion of gaming could also significantly adversely affect our business.

Because our primary source of revenue is generated from the operation of Rocky Gap, our failure to develop new profitable business opportunities will impact our future growth, cash flow and profitability.

A significant source of our revenues in fiscal 2013 was generated from our management agreement relating to the Red Hawk Casino, which terminated in August 2013. Therefore, Lakes will earn no future revenue from the management of the Red Hawk Casino. We have no other current existing agreements with Indian casinos. Currently, our only source of revenue is from the operation of Rocky Gap. If Rocky Gap isn’t profitable, or if we fail to develop new profitable business opportunities, our future growth, cash flow and profitability will be adversely impacted.

Our entry into new businesses may result in future losses.

We may diversify into other businesses. Such businesses involve business risks separate from the risks involved in casino development and these investments may result in future losses to us. These risks include but are not limited to negative cash flow; initial high development costs of new products and/or services without corresponding sales pending receipt of corporate and regulatory approvals; market introduction and acceptance of new products and/or services; and obtaining regulatory approvals required to conduct the new businesses. Diversification activities may never successfully add to our future revenues and income and the costs of evaluating potential business opportunities may adversely impact our profitability during the periods they are incurred.

The commencement or completion of any potential casino development projects may be significantly delayed or prevented due to a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability, cash flow and financial condition.

The opening of a future facility will be contingent upon, among other things, receipt of all regulatory licenses, permits, allocations and authorizations, the completion of construction and the hiring and training of sufficient personnel. The scope of the approvals required to construct and open a facility will be extensive, and the failure to obtain such approvals could prevent or delay the completion of construction or opening of all or part of a facility or otherwise affect the design and features of a proposed casino.

Even once a schedule for such construction and development activities is established, such development activities may not begin or be completed on time, or at any other time. The budget for a project may also be exceeded.

In addition, the regulatory approvals necessary for the construction and operation of casinos are often challenged in litigation brought by government entities, citizens groups and other organizations and individuals. Such litigation can significantly delay the construction and opening of casinos.

Major construction projects entail significant risks, including shortages of materials or skilled labor; unforeseen engineering, environmental and geological problems; work stoppages; weather interference; unanticipated cost increases; and non-availability of construction equipment. These factors or other delays or difficulties in obtaining any of the requisite licenses, permits and authorizations from regulatory authorities could increase the total cost, delay, or prevent the construction or opening of any of the planned casino development, or otherwise affect its design.

Because our operating results are highly dependent on the timing of any projects under development, delays could cause our results to fluctuate significantly and may adversely affect our profitability, cash flow and financial condition.

Failure of existing or other potential casino projects to successfully compete may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flow and financial condition.

The gaming industry is highly competitive. Gaming activities include: traditional land-based casinos; river boat and dockside gaming; casino gaming on Indian land; state-sponsored lotteries and video poker in restaurants, bars and hotels; pari-mutuel betting on horse racing and dog racing; sports bookmaking; online gaming; and card rooms. The casinos owned or gaming facilities invested in by us compete, and will in the future compete, with all these forms of gaming, and will compete with any new forms of gaming that may be legalized in additional jurisdictions, as well as with other types of entertainment.

We also compete with other gaming companies for opportunities to acquire legal gaming sites in emerging and established gaming jurisdictions and for the opportunity to manage casinos on Indian land. Many of our competitors have more personnel and may have greater financial and other resources than us. Such competition in the gaming industry could adversely affect our ability to attract customers which would adversely affect our operating results. In addition, further expansion of gaming into new jurisdictions could also adversely affect our business by diverting customers from our casinos to competitors in such jurisdictions.

If we fail to comply with the laws, regulations and ordinances (including tribal and/or local laws) applicable to gaming facilities, we may be unable to operate or develop casino projects.

The ownership, management and operation of gaming facilities are subject to extensive federal, state, tribal and local laws, and regulations and ordinances, which are administered by the relevant regulatory agency or agencies in each jurisdiction. These laws, regulations and ordinances vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but generally concern the responsibility, financial stability and character of the owners and managers of gaming operations as well as persons financially interested or involved in gaming operations, and often require such parties to obtain certain licenses, permits and approvals.

The rapidly-changing political and regulatory environment governing the gaming industry (including gaming operations which are conducted on Indian land) makes it impossible for us to accurately predict the effects that an adoption of or changes in the gaming laws, regulations and ordinances will have on us. However, our failure, or the failure of any of our key personnel, significant shareholders, or joint venture partners, to obtain or retain required gaming regulatory licenses could prevent us from expanding into new markets, prohibit us from generating revenues in certain jurisdictions, and subject us to sanctions and fines.

Defaults, downgrades, widening credit spreads or other events impairing the value of the fixed maturity securities that we invest in could adversely affect us.

At December 29, 2013, we had $49.1 million in short-term investments which are invested in commercial paper and corporate bonds. These short-term investments represented approximately 33% of our total assets. We are subject to the risk that the issuers, guarantors, and/or counterparties of the fixed maturity securities we own may default on principal and/or interest payments they owe us. Our investments in these securities represent an unsecured obligation of the issuer. In these cases, many factors can influence the overall creditworthiness of the issuer and ultimately its ability to service and repay our holdings. This can include changes in the global economy; the company ' s assets, strategy, or management; shifts in the dynamics of the industries in which they compete; their access to additional funding; and the overall health of the credit markets.  

Our investments carry a rating by one or more of the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. Any change in such rating agencies' approach to evaluating credit and assigning an opinion could negatively impact the fair value of our investments. Any credit-related declines in the fair value of any of our investments we believe are not temporary in nature will negatively impact our net income through impairment losses.

In addition to our exposure to the underlying credit strength of various issuers of fixed maturity securities, we are also exposed to credit spreads, primarily related to market pricing and variability of future cash flows associated with credit spreads. A widening of credit spreads could reduce the value of our existing investments and create unrealized losses in our investment portfolio. This could, however, increase the net investment income on new credit investments. Conversely, a tightening of credit spreads could increase the value of our existing portfolio and create unrealized gains on our investment portfolio. This could reduce the net investment income available to us on new credit investments.

The amounts due to us from the Jamul Tribe will likely not be paid until and unless the Jamul Tribe opens a gaming facility on its reservation.

We terminated our agreement with the Jamul Tribe in March 2012. As of the date of termination, we had advanced approximately $57.5 million including accrued interest to the Jamul Tribe related to casino development efforts. As a result of the termination of our agreement with the Jamul Tribe, we determined the fair value of the notes receivable from the Jamul Tribe to be zero. Although the Jamul Tribe remains obligated to repay all advances including accrued interest, it is not contemplated that the Jamul Tribe will have sufficient funds to make such payments unless it opens a gaming facility on its reservation. We continue to have a subordinated collateral interest in all revenues from any future casino owned by the Jamul Tribe and in such casino’s furnishings and equipment. Although Penn National is pursuing the development of a casino with the Jamul Tribe, we cannot be assured of the repayment of these amounts.

We are dependent on the ongoing services of our senior corporate management, and the loss of their services could have a detrimental effect on the pursuit of our business objectives, profitability and the price of our common stock.

Our success depends largely on the efforts and abilities of our senior corporate management, particularly Lyle Berman, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The loss of the services of Mr. Berman or other members of senior corporate management could have a material adverse effect on us.

Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws may discourage lawsuits and other claims against our directors.

Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws provide, to the fullest extent permitted by Minnesota law, that our directors shall have no personal liability for breaches of their fiduciary duties to us. In addition, our bylaws provide for mandatory indemnification of directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Minnesota law. These provisions reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against our directors and may discourage shareholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for a breach of their duty.

Our Articles of Incorporation contain provisions that could discourage or prevent a potential takeover, even if the transaction would be beneficial to our shareholders.

Our Articles of Incorporation authorize our Board of Directors to issue up to 200 million shares of capital stock, the terms of which may be determined at the time of issuance by the Board of Directors, without further action by our shareholders. The Board of Directors may authorize additional classes or series of shares that may include voting rights, preferences as to dividends and liquidation, conversion and redemptive rights and sinking fund provisions that could adversely affect the rights of holders of our common stock and reduce the value of our common stock. Additional classes of stock that may be authorized by our Board of Directors for issuance in the future could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if a majority of our holders of common stock approved of such acquisition.

The rights that have been and may in the future be granted to our shareholders may allow our Board of Directors and management to deter a potential acquisition of our company.

Our Board of Directors has adopted a shareholder rights plan, or “poison pill” which expires on December 23, 2023.   Under the plan, rights to purchase common stock have been issued to holders of common stock. These rights become exercisable under certain circumstances in which someone acquires 15% or more, subject to certain exceptions, of our outstanding common stock. As a result of the plan, anyone wishing to take over the company may be forced under certain circumstances to negotiate a transaction with our Board of Directors and management or comply with certain bid criteria in order not to trigger the exercise of rights. The need to negotiate with the Board of Directors or management or to comply with certain bid criteria could add complexity to a proposed takeover.

Our shareholders may be required to provide information that is requested by gaming authorities and we have the right, under certain circumstances, to redeem a shareholder’s securities.

Our Articles of Incorporation require our shareholders to provide information that is requested by authorities that regulate our current or proposed gaming operations. Our Articles of Incorporation also permit us to redeem the securities held by persons whose status as a security holder, in the opinion of the Lakes’ Board of Directors, jeopardizes existing gaming licenses or approvals of Lakes or its subsidiaries. The price paid for these securities is, in general, the average closing price for the 30 trading days prior to giving notice of redemption.

We may be forced to use our cash or incur debt to fund redemption of our securities.

In the event a shareholder’s background or status jeopardizes our current or proposed gaming licensure, we may be required to redeem such shareholder’s securities in order to continue gaming operations or obtain a gaming license. This redemption may divert our cash resources from other productive uses and require us to obtain additional financing which, if in the form of equity financing, will be dilutive to our shareholders. Further, any debt financing may involve additional restrictive covenants and further leveraging of our finite assets. The inability to obtain additional financing to redeem a disqualified shareholder’s securities may result in the loss of a current or potential gaming license.

The price of our common stock may be adversely affected by significant price fluctuations due to a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control.

The market price of our common stock has experienced significant fluctuations and may continue to fluctuate in the future. The market price of our common stock may be significantly affected by many factors, including:

•     obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals for potential casino development projects;

•     litigation surrounding our casino development projects;

•     the announcement of new products or product enhancements by us or our competitors;

•     technological innovations by us or our competitors;

•     quarterly variations in our or our competitors’ operating results;

•     changes in prices of our or our competitors’ products and services;

•     changes in our revenue and revenue growth rates;

•     changes in earnings or (loss) per share estimates by market analysts or speculation in the press or analyst community;

•     future sales of our common stock or securities linked to our common stock; and

•     general market conditions or market conditions specific to particular industries.

We have issued numerous options to acquire our common stock and have the ability to issue additional options, each of which could have a dilutive effect on our common stock.

As of December 29, 2013, we had options outstanding to acquire 1.6 million shares of our common stock, exercisable at prices ranging from $1.89 to $6.43 per share, with a weighted average exercise price of approximately $2.98 per share. As of December 29, 2013, there were 526,878 remaining shares available to grant under the existing stock option plans.

The market price of our common stock may be reduced by future sales of our common stock in the public market.

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, including sales of common stock that are not currently freely tradable, or even the potential for such sales, could have an adverse effect on the market price for shares of our common stock and could impair the ability of purchasers of our common stock to recoup their investment or make a profit. As of December 29, 2013, these shares consist of approximately 7.1 million shares beneficially owned by our executive officers and directors.

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

Corporate Office Facility

Lakes owns its corporate office building located in Minnetonka, Minnesota and occupies approximately 22,000 square feet of the 65,000 square foot building and has leased a portion of the office space to outside tenants. We are currently searching for a tenant or tenants to lease the remaining space.

Rocky Gap

In August 2012, Lakes acquired Rocky Gap in Allegany County, Maryland, which is situated on approximately 268 acres in the Rocky Gap State Park and is subject to the Lease Agreement with the Maryland DNR.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Quest Media Group, LLC Litigation

On May 17, 2012, Lakes received service of a breach of contract lawsuit filed in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Franklin County, Ohio by Quest Media Group, LLC (“Quest”) with respect to an agreement (the “Agreement”) entered into between Lakes Ohio Development, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Lakes) (“Lakes Ohio Development”) and Quest on March 9, 2010. The Agreement relates to Quest assisting Lakes Ohio Development in partnering with Rock Ohio Ventures, LLC and Penn Ventures, LLC (“Penn”) with respect to funding the proposed citizen-initiated referendum in November 2009 to amend the Ohio constitution to permit one casino each in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo and Columbus, Ohio. The lawsuit alleges, among other things, that Lakes breached the Agreement by selling Lakes Ohio Development’s interest in the Toledo and Columbus, Ohio casino projects to Penn, failing to pay the proper fee to Quest as a result of such sale, and incorrectly calculating the costs that are to be offset against Quest’s fee. The lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory damages in excess of $25,000, punitive damages, declaratory and injunctive relief. The lawsuit names as defendants Lakes Entertainment, Inc., Lakes Ohio Development, LLC and Lyle Berman, Chairman and CEO of Lakes. Lakes removed the case to federal court and answered the pleadings. The case is still in the discovery stage and Lakes has moved for dismissal of the lawsuit. No hearing on the motion has been set. Lakes believes the suit to be without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself in this lawsuit.

Other Litigation

Lakes and its subsidiaries are involved in various other inquiries, administrative proceedings and litigation relating to contracts and other matters arising in the normal course of business. While any proceeding or litigation has an element of uncertainty, management currently believes that the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is remote, and is not likely to have a material adverse effect upon our consolidated financial statements. No provision for loss has been recorded in connection therewith. 

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable. 

PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Lakes’ common stock currently trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the ticker symbol LACO. The high and low sales prices per share of Lakes’ common stock for each full quarterly period within the two most recent fiscal years are indicated below, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market:

On March 12, 2014, the last reported sale price for the common stock was $5.43 per share. As of March 12, 2014, Lakes had approximately 796 shareholders of record.

Lakes has never paid any cash dividends with respect to its common stock and the current policy of the Board of Directors is to retain any earnings to provide for the growth of Lakes. The payment of cash dividends in the future, if any, will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon such factors as earnings levels, capital requirements, Lakes’ overall financial condition and any other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.

No repurchases of Lakes’ common stock were made during the fourth quarter of Lakes’ fiscal year ended December 29, 2013.

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Not applicable.

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

Lakes Entertainment, Inc. and subsidiaries (“Lakes”, “we”, or “our”) develops, finances, manages and owns casino properties with a historical emphasis on Indian-owned properties. An overview of our projects as of December 29, 2013 is as follows:

Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2013.

Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2013 (“fiscal 2013”) Compared to Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2012 (“fiscal 2012”)

Net Revenues

Net revenues were $38.8 million for fiscal 2013 compared to $11.0 million for fiscal 2012. The increase in net revenues for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 was due primarily to additional net revenue of $27.8 million related to the operation of Rocky Gap, which Lakes acquired on August 3, 2012 and which commenced gaming operations on May 22, 2013. Net revenues also included $7.8 million and $7.7 million in management fees earned related to the Red Hawk Casino during fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively. Due to entering into the Debt Termination Agreement with the Shingle Springs Tribe, Lakes’ consolidated statement of operations will not include management fee revenues related to the management of the Red Hawk Casino subsequent to August 29, 2013.

Property Operating Expenses

Property operating expenses were $19.5 million for fiscal 2013 compared to $1.7 million for fiscal 2012 which primarily related to gaming, rooms, food and beverage and golf operations of Rocky Gap. The increase in property operating expenses was primarily due to the inclusion of gaming-related expenses in the current year period. Gaming commenced in May 2013, therefore there were no such expenses in the prior year period. In addition, because Rocky Gap was acquired on August 3, 2012, the prior year period included only a partial period of operating expenses.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $19.3 million for fiscal 2013 compared to $10.2 million for fiscal 2012. Included in these amounts were Lakes corporate selling, general and administrative expenses of $6.8 million and $7.8 million during fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively, and Rocky Gap selling, general and administrative expenses of $12.5 million and $2.4 million during fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively. For fiscal 2013, selling, general and administrative expenses included payroll and related expenses of $9.6 million (including share-based compensation), marketing and advertising expenses of $2.0 million, building and rent expense of $2.4 million and professional fees of $2.8 million. For fiscal 2012, selling, general and administrative expenses included payroll and related expenses of $5.0 million (including share-based compensation), building and rent expense of $0.8 million and professional fees of $2.6 million.

Recovery of Impairment on Notes Receivable

On July 17, 2013, Lakes entered into the Debt Termination Agreement with the Shingle Springs Tribe relating to amounts Lakes had previously advanced to the Shingle Springs Tribe. Per the Debt Termination Agreement, the Shingle Springs Tribe paid Lakes $57.1 million on August 29, 2013 which constituted full and final payment of all debt owed to Lakes as of that date. As a result of the receipt of the Debt Payment and due to the fact that the Shingle Springs Notes had previously been impaired, Lakes recognized $17.4 million in recovery of impairment on notes receivable for the year ended December 29, 2013.

Gain on Extinguishment of Liabilities

During fiscal 2013, Lakes recognized a gain on extinguishment of liabilities of $3.8 million associated with contract acquisition costs related to the project with the Shingle Springs Tribe that were no longer owed upon the termination of the management agreement between Lakes and the Shingle Springs Tribe.

Impairments and Other Losses  

Impairments and other losses were $3.4 million in fiscal 2013 and $4.5 million in fiscal 2012. During the current year period, Lakes recognized impairment charges of $2.4 million related to the intangible assets associated with the development and management agreement with the Shingle Springs Tribe, which were considered fully impaired upon the termination of the management agreement on August 29, 2013 and were written down to zero. Lakes also recognized an impairment charge of $1.0 million related to receivables from related parties that are directly related to the development and opening of Lakes’ Indian casino projects which were determined to be uncollectible during fiscal 2013. During fiscal 2012, Lakes recognized impairment charges of $1.8 million due to Lakes determining that it would not continue to move forward with the project with the Jamul Tribe. Also included in impairments and other losses for fiscal 2012 were $1.2 million related to costs associated with development plans for the Rocky Gap project which were subsequently revised, and an impairment charge of $1.3 million as a result of selling the majority of the land owned in Vicksburg, Mississippi for an amount less than its recorded book value.

Preopening Expenses

Lakes expenses certain project preopening costs as incurred. During fiscal 2013, Lakes recognized preopening expenses of $1.2 million related to the Rocky Gap project. There were no preopening expenses during fiscal 2012.

Amortization of Intangible Assets Related to Indian Casino Projects

Amortization of intangible assets related to Indian casino projects was $0.7 million for fiscal 2013 compared to $1.1 million for fiscal 2012 and were associated with the project with the Shingle Springs Tribe. In connection with the Debt Termination Agreement entered into with the Shingle Springs Tribe during the third quarter of 2013, the remaining intangible assets associated with that project were fully impaired as of August 29, 2013.

Other Income (Expense), net

Other income (expense), net was $5.2 million for fiscal 2013 compared to $7.8 million for fiscal 2012. During the current year period, Lakes recognized a $1.7 million gain on the modification of its Financing Facility with Centennial Bank to reduce the interest rate from 10.5% to 5.5%. The prior year period amount included a $2.2 million payment related to the settlement of the lawsuit entitled WPT Enterprises, Inc., et al vs. Deloitte & Touche, LLP, which was received in November 2012. A significant portion of the remaining amount of other income, net of expense in both periods relates to non-cash interest income associated with accretion on the notes receivable from the Shingle Springs Tribe.

Income Taxes

There was no income tax provision for fiscal 2013 because the Company released valuation allowance against deferred tax assets available to offset current income. The income tax benefit for fiscal 2012 was $2.5 million and resulted from Lakes’ ability to carry back its taxable losses to a prior year and receive a refund of taxes previously paid. Our effective tax rates for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 were 0% and (325.7)%, respectively. For fiscal 2013, the effective tax rate differs from the federal tax rate of 35% primarily due to the release of valuation allowance against deferred tax assets which were available to offset current income. For fiscal 2012, the effective tax rate differs from the federal tax rate of 35% due primarily to a change in the valuation allowance and our ability to carry back taxable losses to recover federal taxes previously paid.

As of December 29, 2013, we evaluated all available positive and negative evidence related to our ability to utilize our deferred tax assets. We considered the non-recurring nature of current year book income, expected future book income (losses), lack of taxable loss carryback potential and other factors in reaching the conclusion that the deferred tax assets are not currently expected to be realized, and therefore the valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets continues to be appropriate as of December 29, 2013.

Outlook

Historically, Lakes’ revenues have primarily come from the management of Indian casino properties. As a result of the August 29, 2013 termination of the management agreement between Lakes and the Shingle Springs Tribe for the management of the Red Hawk Casino, Lakes’ subsequent consolidated statement of operations is not currently expected to include revenues from the management of Indian casino properties. During the next twelve months, Lakes currently expects the majority of its revenue to come from the operation of Rocky Gap. However, due to the relatively short operating history of Rocky Gap, we do not plan to provide guidance on future results of operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 29, 2013, we had $37.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and $49.1 million in short-term investments. We currently believe that our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and our cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements during the next 12 months.

Our operating results and performance depend significantly on economic conditions and their effect on consumer spending at the property we own. Declines in consumer spending would cause our revenues generated from the ownership of Rocky Gap to be adversely affected.

On July 17, 2013, we entered into a Debt Termination Agreement with the Shingle Springs Tribe relating to amounts we had previously advanced to the Shingle Springs Tribe for the development of the Red Hawk Casino. Per the terms of the Debt Termination Agreement, the Shingle Springs Tribe paid us $57.1 million on August 29, 2013. This Debt Payment constituted full and final payment of all debt owed to us by the Shingle Springs Tribe. As a result of the receipt of the Debt Payment, during the third quarter of 2013, we recognized approximately $17.4 million in recovery of impairment on notes receivable because the Shingle Springs Notes had previously been impaired and were valued at $39.7 million. The face value of the Shingle Springs Notes including accrued interest was $69.7 million as of the Payment Date. The management agreement under which Lakes was managing the Red Hawk Casino also terminated on the Payment Date.

During fiscal 2013, our management fee revenues were derived from the management of the Red Hawk Casino. Because our agreement for the management of this casino terminated on August 29, 2013, we will no longer earn fees for the management of the Red Hawk Casino.

On August 3, 2012, we acquired the assets of Rocky Gap for $6.8 million. In connection with the closing of the acquisition of Rocky Gap, we entered into a 40 year operating ground lease with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for approximately 268 acres in the Rocky Gap State Park on which Rocky Gap is situated. We converted existing convention center space at Rocky Gap into a gaming facility which opened to the public on May 22, 2013. We also constructed a new event and conference center, which opened during the fourth quarter of 2013. The total cost of the Rocky Gap project, which was substantially complete as of December 29, 2013, was approximately $35.0 million, which included the initial acquisition cost. We have a $17.5 million financing facility that was used to finance a portion of the gaming facility project and new event and conference center construction costs. We have drawn $13.4 million on the financing facility, of which $13.3 million remains outstanding as of December 29, 2013. Although we don’t currently plan to make additional draws on the financing facility, we have the ability to draw the remaining $4.1 million through December 31, 2018. Effective November 1, 2013, we amended this financing facility to reduce the interest rate from 10.5% to 5.5%. Monthly principal and interest payments on the outstanding amount of the financing facility began on December 1, 2013 and continue for 84 months.

Room, food and beverage, and other operating revenues and expenses from Rocky Gap are included in operations from the date of the acquisition of the property. Gaming revenues and expenses are included in operations from May 22, 2013, the date that the gaming facility opened for public play.

We have a total investment of $21.0 million in Rock Ohio Ventures. Per our agreement with Rock Ohio Ventures related to the casino properties in Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio, the Thistledown Racino in North Randall, Ohio and Turfway Park, a thoroughbred horseracing track located in Florence, Kentucky, we may be required to invest additional funds of up to $4.1 million in those projects.

We have an interest-only $8.0 million revolving bank line of credit loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) that expires on October 28, 2014. As of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, no amounts were outstanding under the Loan Agreement.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition and promotional allowances, short-term investments, long-term assets related to Indian casino projects, investments in unconsolidated investees, litigation costs, income taxes and share-based compensation. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The following represent our accounting policies that involve the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. See note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of all of our significant accounting policies.

Revenue Recognition and Promotional Allowances

Revenue from the management, development, financing of and consulting with Indian-owned casino gaming facilities is recognized as it is earned pursuant to each respective agreement. Food, beverage, and retail revenues are recorded at the time of sale. Room revenue is recorded at the time of occupancy. Sales taxes and surcharges collected from guests and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis. Accounts receivable deemed uncollectible are charged off through a provision for uncollectible accounts.

Gaming revenue, which is defined as the difference between gaming wins and losses, is recognized as wins and losses occur from gaming activities. The retail value of rooms, food and beverage, and other services furnished to guests without charge is included in gross revenues and then deducted as a promotional allowance. The estimated cost of providing such promotional allowances is included in gaming expenses.

Short-Term Investments and Concentrations of Credit Risk

Short-term investments consist of commercial paper and corporate bonds which are classified as available-for-sale securities and are valued at current market value, with the resulting unrealized gains and losses, if any, excluded from earnings and reported, net of tax, as a separate component of shareholders' equity until realized. There were no net unrealized gains or losses as of December 29, 2013. All of our investments carry a rating by one or more of the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. Any change in such rating agencies' approach to evaluating credit and assigning an opinion could negatively impact the fair value of our investments. Any impairment loss to reduce an investment's carrying amount to its fair market value is recognized in income when a decline in the fair market value of an individual security below its cost or carrying value is determined to be other than temporary.

Long-Term Assets Related to Indian Casino Projects

Shingle Springs Tribe

Due to the August 2013 Debt Termination Agreement, and related Debt Payment and termination of the management agreement between Lakes and the Shingle Springs Tribe, there were no long-term assets related to Indian casino projects as of December 29, 2013. As of the Payment Date, the Shingle Springs Notes were being carried at $39.7 million. As a result, we recognized approximately $17.4 million in recovery of impairment on notes receivable during the third quarter of 2013. The face value of the Shingle Springs Notes including accrued interest was $69.7 million as of the Payment Date. 

The consolidated balance sheet as of December 30, 2012 included long-term assets related to Indian casino projects of $46.2 million. The amounts are as follows (in thousands):

                    ________

Jamul Tribe

We entered into an agreement with the Jamul Tribe during 1999 to develop and manage a casino development project for the Jamul Tribe. We terminated the agreement with the Jamul Tribe in March 2012. We estimated the fair value of the notes receivable from the Jamul Tribe to be zero as of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012. As of the date of termination, we had advanced approximately $57.5 million including accrued interest to the Jamul Tribe related to casino development efforts. We made total advances of $1.8 million to the Jamul Tribe during fiscal 2012, $0.5 million of which had been made as of the date of the termination of the agreement. Pursuant to the agreement with the Jamul Tribe, we advanced an additional $1.3 million subsequent to the date of termination.

During the third quarter of 2012, we entered into a Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement (“Intercreditor Agreement”) with Penn National Gaming, Inc. (“Penn National”) and the Jamul Tribe. Pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement, we modified the terms of our outstanding debt with the Jamul Tribe to reflect that the total debt outstanding, including accrued interest, is $60.0 million, and that interest on such debt will accrue at 4.25% after the opening of a casino to be developed by Penn National on the Jamul Tribe’s trust land. Additionally, our debt will be subordinate to the senior financing until such financing is paid in full, but current interest on the subordinated debt will be paid to us on a quarterly basis when the Penn National casino opens, so long as there is no default under the senior financing agreement. When the senior financing is paid in full, we will receive repayment of outstanding principal and interest.

Also during the third quarter of 2012, Lakes entered into a ten-year option agreement with Penn National that grants Penn National the right to purchase approximately 98 acres of land which Lakes owns adjacent to the Jamul Tribe’s trust land (“Option Agreement”). The purchase price for the land is $7.1 million and increases annually by 1%. Pursuant to the Option Agreement, annual option payments of less than $0.1 million are required to be made by Penn National to Lakes.

Investments in Unconsolidated Investees

Investments in an entity where we own 20% or less of the voting stock of the entity and do not exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the entity are accounted for using the cost method.

We have a policy in place to review our investments at least annually, to evaluate the accounting method and carrying value of our investments in unconsolidated investees. Our cost method investments are evaluated, on at least a quarterly basis, for potential other-than-temporary impairment, or when an event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investments. We monitor the investments for impairment by considering all information available to us including the economic environment of the markets served by the properties; market conditions including existing and potential future competition; recent or expected changes in the regulatory environment; operational performance and financial results; known changes in the objectives of the properties’ management; known or expected changes in ownership; and any other known significant factors relating to the businesses underlying the investments. If we believe that the carrying value of an investment is in excess of its estimated fair value, it is our policy to record an impairment charge to adjust the carrying value to the estimated fair value, if the impairment is considered other-than-temporary.

Income Taxes 

The determination of our income tax-related account balances requires the exercise of significant judgment by management. Accordingly, we determine deferred tax assets and liabilities based upon the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Management assesses the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and establishes a valuation allowance when management believes recovery is not likely.

We record estimated penalties and interest related to income tax matters, including uncertain tax positions, if any, as a component of income tax expense.

Share-Based Compensation Expense

We have various share-based compensation programs, which provide for equity awards including stock options and restricted stock. We use the straight-line method to recognize compensation expense associated with share-based awards based on the fair value on the date of grant, net of the estimated forfeiture rate, if any. Expense is recognized over the requisite service period related to each award, which is the period between the grant date and the award’s stated vesting term. The fair value of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. All of our stock compensation expense is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

For information related to recently issued accounting pronouncements, see note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on 10-K.

Seasonality

We believe that the operation of the casino and resort property owned and managed by us is affected by seasonal factors, including holidays, weather and travel conditions.

Regulation and Taxes

The casino we manage and own is subject to extensive regulation by state gaming authorities. Changes in applicable laws or regulations could have an adverse effect on us.

The gaming industry represents a significant source of tax revenues to regulators. From time to time, various federal legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax law, or in the administration of such law, affecting the gaming industry. It is not possible to determine the likelihood of possible changes in tax law or in the administration of such law. Such changes, if adopted, could have a material adverse effect on our future financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors, except for the financing commitments previously discussed.

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

At December 29, 2013, our investment portfolio included $49.1 million of commercial paper and corporate bonds classified as fixed income securities and cash and cash equivalents of $37.9 million. The fixed income securities, like all fixed income instruments, are subject to interest rate risks and will decline in value if market interest rates increase. However, while the value of the investment may fluctuate in any given period, we intend to hold our fixed income investments until maturity. Consequently, we would not expect to recognize an adverse impact on net income or cash flows during the holding period. We adjust the carrying value of our investments if impairment occurs that is other than temporary.

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

LAKES ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors

Lakes Entertainment, Inc.

Minnetonka, Minnesota

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lakes Entertainment, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years then ended. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

/s/  Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern

Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern

Certified Public Accountants

Las Vegas, Nevada

March 14, 2014

LAKES ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

LAKES ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

LAKES ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity

 (In thousands)

See notes to consolidated financial statements. 

LAKES ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

LAKES ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  Nature of Business

Overview

Lakes Entertainment Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively “the Company” or “Lakes”) develops, finances, manages and owns casino properties with a historical emphasis on Indian-owned properties. An overview of the Company’s projects as of December 29, 2013 is as follows:

Significant Customers

Fees earned for services related to the management of the Red Hawk Casino in fiscal 2013 and 2012 were in excess of ten percent of consolidated net revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.    

Collective Bargaining Agreement

At December 29, 2013, Lakes had 536 employees, of which 400 were full-time employees. The majority of Lakes’ employees are employees of Rocky Gap, and approximately 70% of these employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that became effective on November 1, 2013. The collective bargaining agreement expires on November 1, 2019.

2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates

Preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net earnings during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates that are particularly susceptible to change materially within the next year relate to fair value measurements, income tax liabilities and deferred income tax asset valuation allowances.

Year End

The Company has a 52- or 53-week accounting period ending on the Sunday closest to December 31 of each year. The Company’s fiscal years for the periods shown on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations ended on December 29, 2013 (“fiscal 2013”) and December 30, 2012 (“fiscal 2012”).

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lakes and its subsidiaries.

All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Investments in unconsolidated investees, which are 20% or less owned and the Company does not have the ability to significantly influence the operating or financial decisions of the entity, are accounted for under the cost method. See note 10, Investment in Rock Ohio Ventures, LLC and note 11, Investment in Dania Entertainment Holdings, LLC.

Acquisition Accounting

On August 3, 2012, Lakes acquired the assets of Rocky Gap for $6.8 million paid with cash on hand. Lakes completed its valuation procedures during fiscal 2012, and the resulting fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities was recorded based upon the valuation of the business enterprise and Rocky Gap's tangible and intangible assets. Enterprise value allocation methodology requires management to make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate the fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities. If estimates or assumptions used to complete the enterprise valuation and estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities significantly differed from assumptions made, the resulting difference could materially affect the fair value of net assets.

The calculation of the fair value of the tangible assets, including the building, site improvements, and furniture, fixtures and equipment, utilized the cost approach, which was based on replacement cost of the assets.

The calculation of the fair value of the identified intangible assets was determined using cash flow models following the income approach. The calculation of the fair value of the advance bookings was determined using an excess earnings method, which is an application of the income approach and computes the present value of cash flows attributable to the associated future income stream. The determination of the fair value of memberships utilized the income approach and included projections of membership revenue, estimates of operating expenses associated with the memberships and a charge for the contributory assets. The net present value of the membership income was then calculated using a selected discount rate. As a result of the business combination and fair value analysis, Lakes recorded $0.2 million for advance bookings and $0.4 million for memberships. Goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase was not recorded as the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities approximated the purchase price.

The application of the acquisition method of accounting guidance had the following effects on Lakes’ consolidated financial statements:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Although these balances may at times exceed the federal insured deposit limit, the Company believes such risk is mitigated by the quality of the institution holding such deposit.

Short-Term Investments and Concentrations of Credit Risk

Short-term investments consist of commercial paper and corporate bonds which are classified as available-for-sale securities and are valued at current market value, with the resulting unrealized gains and losses, if any, excluded from earnings and reported, net of tax, as a separate component of shareholders' equity until realized. There were no net unrealized gains or losses as of December 29, 2013. All of the Company’s investments carry a rating by one or more of the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. Any change in such rating agencies' approach to evaluating credit and assigning an opinion could negatively impact the fair value of the Company’s investments. Any impairment loss to reduce an investment's carrying amount to its fair market value is recognized in income when a decline in the fair market value of an individual security below its cost or carrying value is determined to be other than temporary.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Long-Term Assets Related to Indian Casino Projects

Lakes had $46.2 million of long-term assets related to Indian casino projects recorded on its consolidated balance sheet as of December 30, 2012. Due to the August 2013 Debt Termination Agreement, and related Debt Payment and termination of the management agreement between Lakes and the Shingle Springs Tribe, there were no long-term assets related to Indian casino projects as of December 29, 2013.

Notes Receivable

When evaluating opportunities for potential Indian-owned casino development projects, Lakes has formal procedures that it follows before entering into agreements to provide financial support for the development of these projects. Lakes determines whether there is probable future economic benefit prior to recording any asset related to the Indian casino project. Lakes’ management initially evaluates several factors involving critical milestones that affect the probability of developing and operating a casino. Lakes had no development projects with Indian tribes as of December 29, 2013.

Lakes accounted for its notes receivable from the tribes as in-substance structured notes. Under their terms, the notes did not become due and payable unless the projects were completed and operational, and distributable profits were available from their operations. However, in the event its development activity was terminated prior to completion, Lakes generally retained the right to collect in the event of completion by another developer. Because the stated rate of the notes receivable alone were not commensurate with the risk inherent in these projects (at least prior to commencement of operations), the estimated fair value of the notes receivable was generally less than the amount advanced. At the date of each advance, the difference between the estimated fair value of the note receivable and the actual amount advanced was recorded as an intangible asset, and the two assets were accounted for separately.

Subsequent to its initial recording at estimated fair value, the note receivable portion of the advance was adjusted to its current estimated fair value at each balance sheet date until the casino opens using then current assumptions including casino opening dates, typical market discount rates, pre- and post-opening date interest rates, probabilities of the projects opening and financial models prepared by management. The notes receivable were not adjusted to a fair value estimate that exceeded the face value of the note plus accrued interest, if any. Due to uncertainties surrounding the projects, no interest income was recognized during the development period, but changes in estimated fair value of the notes receivable still held as of the balance sheet date were recorded as unrealized gains or losses in Lakes’ consolidated statement of operations.

Upon opening of the casino, any difference between the then estimated fair value of the notes receivable and the amount contractually due under the notes was amortized into income using the effective interest method over the remaining term of the note. Notes receivable were stated at the amount of unpaid principal and were net of unearned discount and, if applicable, an allowance for impaired notes receivable.

Lakes monitored the credit quality of notes receivable through reviews of the casino’s financial position, operating results and projected operating results that were available to Lakes in its capacity as manager of the casino. In addition, Lakes continuously monitored the economic, political, regulatory and competitive conditions that could have adversely impacted casinos’ projected operating results.

Historically, notes receivable for open casinos were periodically evaluated for impairment pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310, Receivables (“ASC 310”). Lakes considered a note receivable to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it was determined that Lakes would not be able to collect all amounts due according to the terms of the note receivable agreement. Subsequent to the initial impairment evaluation, Lakes continued to monitor the note receivable for any changes in expected cash flows and recognized those changes in accordance with ASC 310. Impairment was measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the note receivable’s effective interest rate. Interest income for impaired notes receivable were accrued on the net carrying amount of the impaired note receivable under the effective interest method with significant changes to expected cash flows reflected in the impairment charge on notes receivable.

Any allowance for impaired notes receivable was established through a charge to expense. Any note receivable principal considered to be uncollectible by management was charged against the allowance for impaired notes receivable.

Lakes classified principal amounts expected to be received within the next fiscal year, if any, as current portion of notes receivable from casino projects on the consolidated balance sheets.

Intangible Assets Related to Indian Casino Projects

Historically, intangible assets related to the acquisition of the management, development, consulting or financing contracts were periodically evaluated for impairment based on the estimated cash flows from the respective contract on an undiscounted basis. In the event the carrying value of the intangible assets, in combination with the carrying value of other assets associated with the Indian casino projects described below, exceeded the undiscounted cash flow, an impairment charge was recorded. Such an impairment charge was measured based on the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the assets. Lakes amortized the intangible assets related to the acquisition of the management, development, consulting or financing contracts under the straight-line method over the lives of the contracts commencing when the related casino opened. In addition to the intangible asset associated with the cash advances to tribes described above, these assets included actual costs incurred to acquire Lakes’ interest in the projects from third parties.

Management Fees Receivable and Other

Other assets have historically included deferred management fees and interest due from the Shingle Springs Tribe and amounts due from related parties that are directly related to the development and opening of Lakes’ Indian casino projects.

Investments in Unconsolidated Investees

Investments in an entity where the Company owns 20% or less of the voting stock of the entity and does not exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the entity are accounted for using the cost method.

The Company has a policy in place to review its investments at least annually, to evaluate the accounting method and carrying value of its investments in unconsolidated investees. The Company's cost method investments are evaluated, on at least a quarterly basis, for potential other-than-temporary impairment, or when an event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investments. Lakes monitors the investments for impairment by considering all information available to the Company including the economic environment of the markets served by the properties; market conditions including existing and potential future competition; recent or expected changes in the regulatory environment; operational performance and financial results; known changes in the objectives of the properties’ management; known or expected changes in ownership; and any other known significant factors relating to the businesses underlying the investments. If the Company believes that the carrying value of an investment is in excess of its estimated fair value, it is the Company’s policy to record an impairment charge to adjust the carrying value to the estimated fair value, if the impairment is considered other-than-temporary.

Gaming License

The Company’s gaming license represents the right to conduct gaming in the State of Maryland. This intangible asset is subject to amortization as it has a definite life of 15 years. Amortization of the gaming license began on the date the gaming facility opened for public play, which was May 22, 2013. Lakes evaluates this intangible asset for impairment on at least a quarterly basis.

Land Held for Development

Included in land held for development is undeveloped land in California related to the Company’s previous involvement in a potential casino project with the Jamul Indian Village (“Jamul Tribe”) and undeveloped land in Oklahoma related to its previous involvement in a potential casino project with the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. Lakes evaluates these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable.

Rewards Club Program

Lakes has established a Rewards Club promotional program at Rocky Gap to encourage repeat business from frequent customers and patrons. Members earn points based on gaming activity and amounts spent on the purchase of rooms, food, beverage and resort activities. Such points can be redeemed for complimentary slot play and free goods and services at Rocky Gap’s hotel, restaurants, spa and golf course. Lakes records points redeemed for complimentary slot play as a reduction to gaming revenue and points redeemed for free goods and services as promotional allowances. The Rewards Club point accrual is included in current liabilities on Lakes’ consolidated balance sheet.

Revenue Recognition and Promotional Allowances

Revenue from the management, development, financing of and consulting with Indian-owned casino gaming facilities is recognized as it is earned pursuant to each respective agreement. Food, beverage, and retail revenues are recorded at the time of sale. Room revenue is recorded at the time of occupancy. Sales taxes and surcharges collected from guests and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis. Accounts receivable deemed uncollectible are charged off through a provision for uncollectible accounts. No material amounts were deemed uncollectible during fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012.

Gaming revenue, which is defined as the difference between gaming wins and losses, is recognized as wins and losses occur from gaming activities. The retail value of rooms, food and beverage, and other services furnished to guests without charge is included in gross revenues and then deducted as a promotional allowance. The estimated cost of providing such promotional allowances is included in gaming expenses.

Gaming Taxes

Rocky Gap is subject to gaming taxes based on gross gaming revenues and also pays an annual flat tax based on the number of table games and VLTs in operation during the year. These gaming taxes are recorded as gaming expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Total gaming taxes were $10.7 million for the twelve months ended December 29, 2013. There were no gaming taxes for the twelve months ended December 30, 2012.

Advertising Expenses 

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense, which is included in general and administrative expenses, was $2.0 million and $0.1 million for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation Expense

Lakes has various share-based compensation programs, which provide for equity awards including stock options and restricted stock. Lakes uses the straight-line method to recognize compensation expense associated with share-based awards based on the fair value on the date of grant, net of the estimated forfeiture rate, if any. Expense is recognized over the requisite service period related to each award, which is the period between the grant date and the award’s stated vesting term. The fair value of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. All of Lakes’ stock compensation expense is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. See note 16, Share-Based Compensation, for additional discussion.

Income Taxes 

The determination of the Company’s income tax-related account balances requires the exercise of significant judgment by management. Accordingly, the Company determines deferred tax assets and liabilities based upon the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Management assesses the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and establishes a valuation allowance when management believes recovery is not likely.

The Company records estimated penalties and interest related to income tax matters, including uncertain tax positions, if any, as a component of income tax expense.

Litigation Costs

The Company does not accrue for future litigation costs, if any, to be incurred in connection with outstanding litigation and other dispute matters but rather records such costs when the legal and other services are rendered.

New Accounting Standards

In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “(ASU”) No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU 2013-11 requires entities to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss (“NOL”) or tax credit carryforward whenever the NOL or tax credit carryforward would be available to reduce the additional taxable income or tax due if the tax position is disallowed. This ASU requires entities to assess whether to net the unrecognized tax benefit with a deferred tax asset as of the reporting date. ASU 2013-11 will be effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2014. Lakes does not expect the adoption of ASU 2013-11 to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.

3. Rocky Gap Casino Resort

Background

In April 2012, a video lottery operation license (“Gaming License”) for the Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort was awarded to the Company by the State of Maryland Video Lottery Facility Location Commission (the “Commission”). In August 2012, Lakes acquired the assets of Rocky Gap for $6.8 million and simultaneously entered into an operating lease for the underlying land (see note 21, Commitments and Contingencies). The AAA Four Diamond Award® winning resort included a hotel, convention center, spa, two restaurants and the only Jack Nicklaus signature golf course in Maryland.

After acquiring Rocky Gap, the Company converted the existing convention center space into a gaming facility and renamed the property Rocky Gap Casino Resort. The gaming facility opened to the public on May 22, 2013 and features 558 video lottery terminals (“VLTs”), 10 table games, three poker tables, a casino bar and a new lobby food and beverage outlet. A new event and conference center, which can accommodate large groups and features multiple flexible use meeting rooms opened during the fourth quarter of 2013. The total cost of the Rocky Gap project was approximately $35.0 million, which included the initial acquisition cost.

Total assets related to Rocky Gap were approximately $34.4 million and $12.0 million as of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, respectively, which consisted primarily of property, equipment, construction in process, intangible assets related to the acquisition of Rocky Gap, and the Gaming License. Included in impairments and other losses during fiscal 2012 was $1.2 million related to costs associated with initial development plans for Rocky Gap which were subsequently revised.

Application of the Acquisition Method of Accounting

The acquisition of Rocky Gap was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total purchase price is allocated to the net tangible and intangible assets of Rocky Gap acquired in connection with the acquisition, based on their estimated fair values. The allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows (in thousands):

The amounts assigned to intangible assets by category are summarized in the table below (in thousands):

Advance bookings – Advance bookings are reservations that represent future cash flows the Company will enjoy when the guest visits Rocky Gap. These reservations have been “pre-sold” as of the acquisition date of August 3, 2012 and would not require future sales or marketing expenses to be incurred.

Memberships – Memberships provide access to the golf course and related amenities in exchange for the payment of dues. The portion of Rocky Gap’s income attributed to the possession of such membership contracts forms the basis of the intangible value.

Amortization expense related to the advance bookings and memberships intangible assets for the twelve months ended December 29, 2013 was less than $0.1 million and was approximately $0.2 million for the period from August 3, 2012 through December 30, 2012.

Gaming License

Amortization of the Gaming License began on May 22, 2013, the date the gaming facility opened for public play, and is being amortized over its 15 year term. Amortization expense related to the Gaming License was $0.1 million and zero for the twelve months ended December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, respectively.

Information with respect to the Gaming License is as follows (in thousands):

The estimated future amortization expense related to the Gaming License for the next five years and thereafter is as follows (in thousands): 

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information

The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2012 are presented as if the acquisition had been completed at the beginning of the period. The amounts shown for the year ended December 29, 2013 are based on actual results for the period:

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial results for the year ended December 30, 2012 have been prepared for illustrative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations that actually would have resulted had the acquisition occurred on the first day of the 2012 period presented, or of future results of the consolidated entities. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information does not reflect any operating efficiencies and cost savings that may be realized from the integration of the acquisition. The following adjustments have been made to the pro forma net earnings attributable to Lakes and pro forma earnings per share for the year ended December 30, 2012 in the table above:

4.  Debt Termination Agreement with the Shingle Springs Tribe

On July 17, 2013, Lakes entered into a Debt Termination Agreement with the Shingle Springs Tribe relating to amounts Lakes had previously advanced to the Shingle Springs Tribe under the development and management agreement for the Red Hawk Casino between Lakes and the Shingle Springs Tribe. The Debt Termination Agreement required certain conditions to be met, including a lump sum payment by the Shingle Springs Tribe to Lakes of $57.1 million. The Debt Payment was made on August 29, 2013 and constituted full and final payment of all debt owed to Lakes as of that date. As a result of the receipt of the Debt Payment, during the third quarter of 2013, Lakes recognized approximately $17.4 million in recovery of impairment on notes receivable because the Shingle Springs Notes had previously been impaired and were valued at $39.7 million (see note 8, Long-Term Assets Related to Indian Casino Projects – Notes and Interest Receivable). The face value of the Shingle Springs Notes including accrued interest was $69.7 million as of the Payment Date. The management agreement under which Lakes was managing the Red Hawk Casino also terminated on the Payment Date.

During the third quarter of 2013, Lakes also recognized a gain of $3.8 million on extinguishment of liabilities associated with contract acquisition costs related to the project with the Shingle Springs Tribe that were no longer owed upon the termination of the management agreement between Lakes and the Shingle Springs Tribe (see note 14, Contract Acquisition Costs Payable).

As of the Payment Date, $2.4 million of intangible assets related to the development and management agreement with the Shingle Springs Tribe were considered fully impaired and were written down to zero resulting in Lakes recognizing an impairment charge of $2.4 million during the third quarter of 2013. See note 9, Intangible and Other Assets Related to Indian Casino Projects.

5. Termination of Jamul Development Agreement

Lakes entered into an agreement with the Jamul Tribe during 1999 to develop and manage a casino on behalf of the Jamul Tribe on the Jamul Tribe’s existing reservation approximately 20 miles east of San Diego, California (the “Jamul Casino Project”). Lakes terminated the agreement with the Jamul Tribe in March 2012.

Lakes estimated the fair value of the notes receivable from the Jamul Tribe to be zero as of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012. As of the date of termination, Lakes had advanced approximately $57.5 million including accrued interest to the Jamul Tribe related to casino development efforts. Lakes made total advances of $1.8 million to the Jamul Tribe during fiscal 2012, $0.5 million of which had been made as of the date of the termination of the agreement. Pursuant to the agreement with the Jamul Tribe, Lakes advanced an additional $1.3 million subsequent to the date of termination. All of the fiscal 2012 advances are included as impairment charges in Lakes’ consolidated statement of operations for the twelve months ended December 30, 2012.

During the third quarter of 2012, Lakes entered into a Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement (“Intercreditor Agreement”) with Penn National Gaming, Inc. (“Penn National”) and the Jamul Tribe. Pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement, Lakes modified the terms of its outstanding debt with the Jamul Tribe to reflect that the total debt outstanding, including accrued interest, is $60.0 million, and that interest on such debt will accrue at 4.25% after the opening of a casino to be developed by Penn National on the Jamul Tribe’s trust land. Additionally, Lakes’ debt will be subordinate to the senior financing until such financing is paid in full, but current interest on the subordinated debt will be paid to Lakes on a quarterly basis when the Penn National casino opens, so long as there is no default under the senior financing agreement. When the senior financing is paid in full, Lakes will receive repayment of outstanding principal and interest. 

Also during the third quarter of 2012, Lakes entered into a ten-year option agreement with Penn National that grants Penn National the right to purchase approximately 98 acres of land which Lakes owns adjacent to the Jamul Tribe’s trust land (“Option Agreement”). The purchase price for the land is $7.1 million and increases annually by 1%. Pursuant to the Option Agreement, annual option payments of less than $0.1 million are required to be made by Penn National to Lakes.

6.  Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments consist of commercial paper and corporate bonds which are classified as available-for-sale securities and are carried at current fair market value, with the resulting unrealized gains and losses, if any, excluded from earnings and reported, net of tax, as a separate component of shareholders' equity until realized. There were no net unrealized gains or losses as of December 29, 2013. If the carrying value of an investment is in excess of its fair market value, an impairment charge to adjust the carrying value to the fair market value is recorded if the impairment is considered other-than-temporary. There were no other-than-temporary impairments related to declines in fair market value of short-term investments during the year ended December 29, 2013. All short-term investments held as of December 29, 2013 have original maturity dates of twelve months or less and are classified as current assets. The Company held no short-term investments as of December 30, 2012. As of December 29, 2013, short-term investments consisted of the following (in thousands):

7. Property and Equipment, net

The following table summarizes the components of property and equipment, at cost (in thousands):

8.   Long-Term Assets Related to Indian Casino Projects — Notes and Interest Receivable

Notes and interest receivable included in long-term assets related to Indian casino projects as of December 30, 2012 consisted of notes and interest receivable due from the Shingle Springs Tribe pursuant to the Company’s development and management agreement with the Shingle Springs Tribe for the Red Hawk Casino. Under the terms of the development and management agreement, Lakes made advances to the Shingle Springs Tribe of $74.4 million, including interest accrued through the opening date of the Red Hawk Casino on December 17, 2008 and had an agreement to manage the property through December 17, 2015.

The notes and related interest receivable were considered paid in full on August 29, 2013, when the Shingle Springs Tribe paid Lakes $57.1 million pursuant to the Debt Termination Agreement. See note 4, Debt Termination Agreement with the Shingle Springs Tribe. As a result of the receipt of the Debt Payment, during the third quarter of 2013, Lakes recognized approximately $17.4 million in recovery of impairment on notes receivable because the Shingle Springs Notes had previously been impaired and were valued at $39.7 million. The face value of the Shingle Springs Notes including accrued interest was $69.7 million as of the Payment Date. The management agreement under which Lakes was managing the Red Hawk Casino also terminated on the Payment Date.

Until the Payment Date, the Company performed an impairment analysis on the notes receivable at least quarterly. At January 2, 2011, Lakes evaluated the notes receivable from the Shingle Springs Tribe for impairment and concluded that it was probable that substantial amounts due would not be repaid within the contract term and therefore determined that the notes receivable were impaired. Lakes evaluated the notes receivable from the Shingle Springs Tribe for impairment as of December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 and concluded that the notes receivable continue to be impaired.

As part of the impairment analysis, the Company estimated the timing and amount of future repayments on the notes receivable by analyzing actual payments received on the notes receivable compared to scheduled payments required under the contractual terms of the notes receivable. The Company also considered forecasts for future periods which were based on a variety of factors including actual historical performance, changes in competition in the market the property serves, changes in the economic environment in the market the property serves, any regulatory changes, marketing initiatives and property offerings. Estimates of timing and amount of future repayments were then compared to payments required per the contractual terms of the notes receivable to estimate the remaining amounts due on the notes receivable at the end of the contract term with the Shingle Springs Tribe. Prior to entering into the Debt Termination Agreement, the contractual terms of the notes receivable required that all amounts due on the notes receivable were to be repaid during the contract term. Due to improvements in certain of the factors considered in the impairment analysis, including operational results, the estimated amounts due at the end of the contract term decreased as of December 30, 2012 compared to the estimated amounts due at the end of the contract term as of January 2, 2011. Although the estimated amounts due at the end of the contract term decreased, the estimated amounts due remained significant and as a result, the Company determined that a significant change that would cause the impairment on the notes receivable to be remeasured had not occurred as of December 30, 2012.

Information with respect to the notes and interest receivable is summarized in the following table (in thousands). There were no notes and interest receivable related to Indian casino projects as of December 29, 2013.

A summary of the activity in the allowance for impaired notes receivable is as follows (in thousands):

9.  Intangible and Other Assets Related to Indian Casino Projects

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets related to Indian casino projects consisted of costs associated with the acquisition of the management, development, consulting, or financing contracts related to tribal gaming projects and were periodically evaluated for impairment after they were initially recorded.

Information with respect to the intangible assets by project is summarized as follows (in thousands):

____________

Management Fees Receivable and Other

Management fees receivable and other included financial instruments related to deferred management fees and interest due from the Shingle Springs Tribe and other receivables of $4.8 million as of December 30, 2012. During the third quarter of 2013, all earned and unpaid management fees were paid in full. Other receivables of approximately $1.0 million from related parties that are directly related to the development and opening of Lakes’ Indian casino projects were determined to be uncollectible and were impaired during the third quarter of 2013. As a result, there were no management fees receivable and other as of December 29, 2013.

10.  Investment in Rock Ohio Ventures, LLC

Lakes has a 10% ownership investment in Rock Ohio Ventures, LLC (“Rock Ohio Ventures”) a privately-held company, that owns 80% of the Horseshoe Casino Cleveland in Cleveland, Ohio which opened to the public in May 2012; the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio which opened in March 2013; the Thistledown Racino in North Randall, Ohio which added approximately 1,100 VLTs to its existing racetrack in April 2013; and Turfway Park, a thoroughbred horseracing track located in Florence, Kentucky. This investment is accounted for using the cost method since Lakes owns less than 20% of Rock Ohio Ventures and does not have the ability to significantly influence the operating and financial decisions of the entity. At December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, Lakes had invested a total of $21.0 million and $20.2 million, respectively, in Rock Ohio Ventures, which is included in investment in unconsolidated investee in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The Company's cost method investment is evaluated, on at least a quarterly basis, for potential other-than-temporary impairment, or when an event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. Lakes monitors this investment for impairment by considering all information available to the Company including the economic environment of the markets served by the properties Rock Ohio Ventures owns; market conditions including existing and potential future competition; recent or expected changes in the regulatory environment; operational performance and financial results; known changes in the objectives of Rock Ohio Venture’s management; known or expected changes in ownership of Rock Ohio Ventures; and any other known significant factors relating to the business underlying the investment.

As part of the review of operational performance and financial results for considering if there are indications of impairment, the Company utilizes financial statements of Rock Ohio Ventures and its owned gaming properties to assess the investee’s ability to operate from a financial standpoint. The Company also analyzes Rock Ohio Ventures’ cash flows and working capital to determine if the Company’s investment in this entity has experienced an other-than-temporary impairment. As part of this process, the Company analyzes actual historical results compared to forecast and has periodic discussions with management of Rock Ohio Ventures to obtain additional information related to the Company’s investment in Rock Ohio Ventures to determine whether any events have occurred that would necessitate further analysis of the Company’s recorded investment in Rock Ohio Ventures for impairment. Based on these procedures, no events or changes in circumstances were identified that would require further analysis as to whether the Company’s investment in Rock Ohio has experienced an other-than-temporary impairment as of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012.

The fair value of the cost method investment is considered impracticable to estimate.  The impracticability in developing such an estimate is due primarily to insufficient information necessary to prepare a valuation model to determine fair value.

Lakes has the right, but not the obligation, to make additional investments up to 10% of equity required by Rock Ohio Ventures to develop the properties it owns in return for a corresponding equity interest in those properties (see note 21, Commitments and Contingencies).

11.  Investment in Dania Entertainment Holdings, LLC

On May 22, 2013, Dania Entertainment Center, LLC (“DEC”) purchased the Dania Jai Alai property located in Dania Beach, Florida, from Boyd Gaming Corporation, for $65.5 million.

As part of a previous plan to purchase the property, during 2011 Lakes loaned $4.0 million to DEC (the “Loan”) which was written down to zero during the third quarter of 2011 when the acquisition did not close. During 2013, the Loan was exchanged for a 20% ownership interest in Dania Entertainment Holdings, LLC (“DEH”). DEH maintains a 25% ownership interest in DEC resulting in Lakes effectively holding a 5% ownership in DEC, which now owns and operates the Dania Jai Alai property. Lakes will have no operational responsibility of DEC or DEH and will not be required to invest any additional money in either entity.

The Company accounts for its investment in DEH as a cost method investment. At the time the Loan was exchanged for an equity investment in DEH, Lakes determined its value remained at zero due to the negative cash flows of the existing operations of the Dania Jai Alai property as well as uncertainty surrounding completion of the project. Therefore, no value associated with this investment is recorded in the Company’s accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 29, 2013. Should Lakes receive any distributions in the form of dividends from its investment in DEH, the distributions will be recorded as income in the Company’s consolidated statement of earnings as of the date of distribution.

The fair value of this investment was considered impracticable to estimate without incurring excessive costs relative to the materiality of the investment. 

12. Land

Lakes owns parcels of undeveloped land related to its previous involvement in a potential casino project with the Jamul Tribe near San Diego, California. During the third quarter of 2012, Lakes entered into a ten-year option agreement with Penn National that grants Penn National the right to purchase this land. The purchase price for the land is $7.1 million and increases annually by 1%. Pursuant to the Option Agreement, annual option payments of less than $0.1 million are required to be made by Penn National to Lakes.

Lakes also owns undeveloped land in Oklahoma related to its previous involvement in a potential casino project with the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma.

As of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, these parcels of land are carried at a total of $1.1 million on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company performs an impairment analysis on the land it owns at least quarterly and determined that no impairment had occurred as of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012.

13.  Debt 

Loan Agreement

Lakes has a two-year interest-only $8.0 million revolving line of credit loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Centennial Bank that expires in October 2014. The Loan Agreement is collateralized by primarily all of Lakes’ interest in the real property it owns in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Amounts borrowed under the Loan Agreement, if any, bear interest at 8.95%. Lakes’ Chief Executive Officer, Lyle Berman, personally guaranteed the Loan Agreement on behalf of Lakes. As of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, no amounts were outstanding under the Loan Agreement.

Financing Facility

In December 2012, Lakes closed on a $17.5 million financing facility with Centennial Bank (the “Financing Facility”) to finance Rocky Gap project costs. Approximately $13.4 million was drawn on the Financing Facility. Lakes was required to invest $17.5 million in the Rocky Gap project prior to drawing on the Financing Facility. The Financing Facility is collateralized by the leasehold estate and the furniture, fixtures and equipment of Rocky Gap. In addition, Lakes guaranteed repayment of the loan and granted a second mortgage on its real property located in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Effective November 1, 2013, Lakes amended the Financing Facility with Centennial Bank to reduce the interest rate from 10.5% to 5.5%. Monthly payments of principal and interest began on December 1, 2013 and continue for 84 months. Although Lakes does not currently plan to make further draws on the Financing Facility, Lakes has the ability to draw the remaining $4.1 million on the Financing Facility through December 31, 2018. As of December 29, 2013, $13.3 million of principal was outstanding under the Financing Facility. As of December 30, 2012, no amounts had been drawn and no amounts were outstanding under the Financing Facility.

As a result of the amendment of the Financing Facility with Centennial Bank effective November 1, 2013, Lakes recorded a $1.7 million gain on modification of debt during the fourth quarter of 2013. This amount includes $2.0 million recorded as a discount to the principal amount of the Financing Facility, which is being accreted to interest expense over the term of the Financing Facility using the effective interest method, and $0.3 million of original debt issuance costs expensed at the time of the amendment. See note 20, Financial Instruments and Fair Value Instruments, for further discussion regarding the recorded value of the Financing Facility.

Summary of Outstanding Debt

Long-term debt, net of current maturities, is comprised of the following as of December 29, 2013 (in thousands). No debt was outstanding as of December 30, 2012.

Future Principal Payments on Long-Term Debt

The aggregate principal payments due on long-term debt as of December 29, 2013 over the next five years and thereafter, are as follows (in thousands):

14.  Contract Acquisition Costs Payable

During 2009, the Company became obligated to pay Mr. Jerry Argovitz and Mr. Kevin Kean each $1 million per year (prorated based on a 365 day year) during the remainder of the seven-year initial term of the Red Hawk Casino management agreement, as long as Lakes was the manager of the Red Hawk Casino. The management agreement commenced in December 2008. These obligations resulted from Mr. Argovitz’s and Mr. Kean’s elections under existing agreements with Lakes to relinquish their respective other rights related to the Red Hawk Casino project. As of December 30, 2012, the remaining carrying amount of the liability was $4.6 million, net of a $1.4 million discount. As a result of the August 2013 termination of the management agreement between Lakes and the Shingle Springs Tribe for the management of the Red Hawk Casino, Lakes is no longer obligated to make payments under the existing agreements between Lakes and Mr. Kean and Mr. Argovitz, respectively. As a result, Lakes recognized a gain of $3.8 million on extinguishment of these liabilities during the third quarter of 2013.

15. Promotional Allowances

The retail value of rooms, food and beverage, and other services furnished to guests without charge is included in gross revenues and then deducted as promotional allowances. The estimated retail value of these promotional allowances is as follows (in thousands):

The estimated cost of providing these promotional allowances, which are included in gaming costs and expenses, is as follows (in thousands):

16.  Share-Based Compensation

Overview

In June 2007, Lakes’ shareholders approved the 2007 Lakes Stock Option and Compensation Plan (the “2007 Plan”), which is authorized to grant a total of 2.5 million shares of Lakes’ common stock. Stock options granted under the 2007 Plan typically vest in equal installments over three-year, four-year and five-year periods, beginning on the first anniversary of the date of each grant and continue on each subsequent anniversary date until the option is fully vested. The employee must be employed by Lakes on the anniversary date in order to vest in any shares that year. Vested options are exercisable for ten years from the date of grant; however, if the employee is terminated (voluntarily or involuntarily), any unvested options as of the date of termination will be forfeited.

Lakes also has a 1998 Stock Option and Compensation Plan. There were 27,000 stock options outstanding under this plan as of December 29, 2013. No additional options will be granted under this plan.

Consolidated share-based compensation expense, which includes stock options and restricted stock units, was $0.5 million and $0.4 million for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively.

For fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, no income tax benefit was recognized in Lakes’ consolidated statements of operations for share-based compensation arrangements. Management assessed the likelihood that the deferred tax assets relating to future tax deductions from share-based compensation will be recovered from future taxable income and determined that a valuation allowance is necessary to the extent that management currently believes it is more likely than not that tax benefits will not be realized. Management’s determination is based primarily on historical losses and earnings volatility.

Stock Options  

The following table summarizes stock option activity for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012:

Lakes’ determination of fair value of share-based option awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the following assumptions regarding complex and subjective variables. Any changes in these assumptions may materially affect the estimated fair value of the share-based award.

The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted during fiscal 2013. No stock options were granted during fiscal 2012.

As of December 29, 2013, the options outstanding had a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 6.7 years, weighted-average exercise price of $2.98 and an aggregate intrinsic value of $1.6 million. The options exercisable have a weighted-average exercise price of $2.94, a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 5.8 years and an aggregate intrinsic value of $1.3 million as of December 29, 2013. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during fiscal 2013 was $0.4 million. No stock options were exercised during fiscal 2012.

As of December 29, 2013, Lakes’ unrecognized share-based compensation related to stock options was approximately $0.5 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during fiscal 2013 was $1.73 per share.

Lakes issues new shares of common stock upon exercise of options.  

Restricted Stock Units

There was no restricted stock activity during the year ended December 29, 2013. The following table summarizes Lakes’ restricted stock unit activity for fiscal 2012:

During fiscal 2012, 35,257 common shares were issued upon the vesting of restricted stock units, net of common shares redeemed at the election of the grantee for payroll tax payment.

17.  Earnings per Share

For all periods, basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net earnings attributable to Lakes Entertainment, Inc. by the weighted-average common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS in profitable periods reflects the effect of all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding by dividing net earnings attributable to Lakes Entertainment, Inc. by the weighted-average of all common and potentially dilutive shares outstanding. Potentially dilutive stock options of 1,389,511 for the year ended December 29, 2013 and 1,527,620 for the year ended December 30, 2012, were not used to compute diluted earnings per share because the effects would have been anti-dilutive.

18.  Income Taxes

The provision (benefit) for income taxes for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 consist of the following (in thousands):

Reconciliations of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s actual rate based on earnings before income taxes for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 are summarized as follows:

The Company’s deferred income tax (liabilities) and assets are as follows (in thousands):

As of December 29, 2013, Lakes has evaluated all available positive and negative evidence related to its ability to utilize its deferred tax assets. Lakes considered the non-recurring nature of current year book income, expected future book income (losses), lack of taxable loss carryback potential and other factors in reaching the conclusion that the deferred tax assets are not currently expected to be realized, and therefore the valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets continues to be appropriate as of December 29, 2013.

As of December 29, 2013, Lakes had approximately $72.3 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards, which will begin to expire in 2022, and approximately $96.5 million of state net operating loss carryforwards, which will expire at various times depending on specific state laws.

Lakes files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return, as well as income tax returns in various states. The U.S. federal income tax returns for the years 2009 – 2012 and state income tax returns in various states for the years 2009 – 2012 remain subject to examination. The Company is currently under IRS audit for the 2009-2011 tax years and is under audit by the State of California for the 2010 tax year. No adjustments have been made as a result of these audits. However, there is no assurance that the taxing authorities will not propose adjustments that are different from the Company’s expected outcome and that may impact the provision for income taxes.

19.  Employee Retirement Plan

Lakes has a qualified defined contribution employee savings plan for all full-time employees. The savings plan allows eligible participants to defer, on a pre-tax basis, a portion of their salary and accumulate tax-deferred earnings as a retirement fund. Lakes currently matches employee contributions up to a maximum of 4% of participating employees’ gross wages. The Company contributed approximately $0.1 million during each fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012. Company contributions are vested over five years.

20. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

Overview

Estimates of fair value for financial assets and liabilities are based on the framework established in the accounting guidance for fair value measurements. The framework defines fair value, provides guidance for measuring fair value and requires certain disclosures. The framework discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow) and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). The framework utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels: 

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, notes receivable and other long-term assets related to Indian casino projects, cost method investments, accounts payable, contract acquisition costs payable and long-term debt.

For the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and current portion of contract acquisition costs payable, the carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short duration of these financial instruments.

Balances Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

During fiscal 2013 and 2012, Lakes measured certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

Financing Facility - Effective November 1, 2013, Lakes amended the Financing Facility with Centennial Bank to reduce the interest rate from 10.5% to 5.5%. As a result of this amendment, it was determined that the original and new debt instruments were substantially different, and therefore the new debt instrument was recorded at its fair value of $11.4 million using Level 3 inputs. The fair value was determined using a discount rate of 10.5% and a term of 84 months. See note 13, Debt, for further discussion regarding the modification of the terms of the Financing Facility.

Land held for sale – During fiscal 2012, land held for sale was measured on a nonrecurring basis at less than $0.1 million using unobservable (Level 3) inputs that utilized the market approach technique and reflected management’s estimates about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset. Significant inputs included recent transactions of comparable properties as well as consideration of its highest and best use.

Property and equipment related to the acquisition of Rocky Gap – Property and equipment acquired in connection with the Company’s acquisition of the Rocky Gap Resort during the third quarter of 2012 were measured using unobservable (Level 3) inputs at a fair value of $6.2 million. The fair value of the building, site improvements, and furniture, fixtures and equipment were calculated using the cost approach. The cost approach computes the cost to replace the asset, less accrued depreciation resulting from physical deterioration, functional obsolescence and external obsolescence. The cost estimates for these assets were based on the guidelines provided by Marshall Valuation Services and Hotel Cost Estimating Guide 2012 published by HVS. See note 3, Rocky Gap Casino Resort, for further discussion regarding the acquisition of Rocky Gap’s property and equipment.

Intangible assets related to the acquisition of Rocky Gap – The identified intangible assets acquired in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Rocky Gap during the third quarter of 2012 were measured using unobservable (Level 3) inputs at a fair value of $0.6 million. The fair value of the advance bookings was calculated using the excess earnings approach which is an application of the income approach and computes the present value of cash flows attributable to the associated future income stream. Significant inputs included advance revenue, related operating expense, sales and marketing expense avoided and a discount rate. The fair value of the memberships was calculated using the income approach with significant inputs including estimated attrition rate, revenue growth rate, and discount rate. See note 3, Rocky Gap Casino Resort, for further discussion regarding the acquisition of Rocky Gap’s intangible assets.

Balances Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis